US10041236B2 - Multi-function fixture for a lavatory system - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for a multi-function lavatory fixture are disclosed. The lavatory fixture includes a first and second leg, where a first end of each leg is configured to be mounted to a deck and a second end of each leg is located over a basin of the lavatory fixture. A connecting section extends between the second ends of each leg and includes outlets to dispense water, soap, and air to wash a user's hands. The fixture also includes indicators located proximate each of the outlets to indicate to the user the location of each outlet. A sensor located near each outlet identifies the presence of a user's hands near the outlet and dispenses water, soap, or air accordingly. A controller within the lavatory fixture receives inputs from each sensor and activates the appropriate pump, fan, valve, and the like to deliver the desired product at the appropriate outlet.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of lavatory systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lavatory system having a multi-function fixture. Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a multi-function fixture for a lavatory system at which a user receives soap and water to wash hands and at which an air flow is provided to dry the hands after washing.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

As is known to those skilled in the art, washrooms have historically included separate soap dispensers, wash basins with faucets, and hand dryers or towel dispensers. Soap dispensers may be located between wash stations or in a location convenient to several wash stations. When a user dispenses soap, excess soap may drip from the dispenser. If a user has previously placed hands under the faucet to first wet hands, then water also drips from the user's hands as soap is applied. If the soap dispenser is not located over the wash basin, the excess soap and/or water drips on the deck of the basin or on the floor depending on the location of the soap dispenser. Further, as a user moves between the wash basin and the hand dryer or towel dispenser, excess water drips from the user's hands to the deck of the basin or to the floor depending on the location of the hand dryer or towel dispenser. The need to move between stations when washing hands results in an undesirable mess in the washroom.

To reduce the amount of mess, it has been known to add a soap dispenser next to the faucet where both are located over the same basin. However, this still requires a user moving to a hand dryer or towel dispenser. Recently, lavatory systems have been developed that further include a drying station also located over the wash basin. Thus, the entire process of washing and drying a user's hands may be completed without moving away from the wash basin.

However, such stations have so far required more space per user than existing lavatory systems. The addition of a drying station may require a larger basin. Further, the soap dispenser, faucet, and hand dryer create three fixtures that must be positioned on the deck of the lavatory system and arranged around the basin. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a fixture for a lavatory system that incorporates each of the dispensing features and that may be realized without requiring additional space per user.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a fixture for a lavatory system that incorporates each of the dispensing features required to wash and dry a user's hands and that does not require additional space per user. Thus, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a multi-function fixture that dispenses soap, water, and air to a user. It is another object of the invention to provide visual indicators to a user to direct the user to each dispensing region on the multi-function fixture to receive soap, water, and air as desired. It is still another object of the invention to provide a multi-function fixture that may be installed within the space of existing wash stations. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that has one or more of the characteristics discussed above but which is relatively simple to manufacture and assemble and maintain using a minimum of equipment.

The lavatory fixture includes a first leg and a second leg, where a first end of each leg is configured to be mounted to an upper surface of a deck for the lavatory fixture. The leg extends upward from the deck and forward toward the basin, such that a second end of each leg is located over the basin of the lavatory fixture. A connecting section extends between the second ends of each leg and is positioned over the basin of the lavatory fixture. The connecting section includes outlets to dispense water, soap, and air to wash a user's hands. The fixture also includes indicators located proximate to each of the outlets to provide an indication to the user as to the location of each outlet and/or to guide a user to the outlets during the hand washing process. A sensor located near each outlet identifies the presence of a user's hands near the outlet and dispenses water, soap, or air accordingly. A controller within the lavatory fixture receives inputs from each sensor and activates the appropriate pump, fan, valve, and the like to deliver the desired product at the appropriate outlet. Further, the controller may provide interlocks to prevent, for example, the air and water from being dispensed at the same time.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, these objects are achieved by providing a lavatory system comprising a basin and a fixture. The basin includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side extending between the first side and the second side, and a fourth side extending between the first side and the second side. The fixture extends over the basin for dispensing soap, water and air. The fixture includes a first leg, a second leg spaced apart from the first leg, and a connecting section for connecting the first leg to the second leg. There is a first passage in the first leg and a second passage in the second leg. A first tube carries the water through either the first passage or the second passage, and a second tube carries soap through either the first passage or the second passage. The connecting section includes at least one first exit point for dispensing the water, at least one second exit point for dispensing the soap, and at least one third exit point for dispensing the air.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fixture is a single casting, the first leg includes a first base, the second leg includes a second base, and each of the first and second bases are configured to attach to the basin. The lavatory system may include a first hole in the basin for receiving a portion of the first base, and a second hole in the basin for receiving a portion of the second base.

According to still another aspect of the invention, the first passage is configured to maximize an area for air flow through the first leg and includes an inner wall separating the first passage from the connecting section. An air outlet is proximate the inner wall, where the air outlet is the at least one third exit point and the inner wall equalizes the air flow within the first passage by pressure shock when the air flow hits the inner wall thereby bending the air flow generally 90° to point downwardly and exit the air outlet. A nozzle may be located in the air outlet that is configured to straighten the air flow through the air outlet, and the nozzle may include a grid for preventing items from getting into the air outlet.

According to yet other aspects of the invention, the first passage may include a boss located in the air flow and shaped to minimize air disturbance as the air flow travels over the boss. An aerator may be mounted proximate the at least one first exit point, where the aerator is configured with an entrance for the first tube, and the entrance adds a swirling motion to the water. The connecting section includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and the aerator is nearly flush with the lower surface of the connecting section.

According to still further aspects of the invention, the lavatory system may include a translucent material for constructing at least a portion of the lower surface of the connecting section so that sensors can sense through the material. The lavatory system may also include a first indicator identifying the at least one first exit point, a second indicator identifying the at least one second exit point, and a third indicator identifying the at least one third exit point. A control circuit enables each of the first indicator, the second indicator, and the third indicator to indicate to a user where to put hands of the user.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a drain channel may extend longitudinally between the first side and the second side of the basin. A rear surface of the drain channel is defined in part by the third side of the basin, and a front surface of the drain channel abuts a lower edge of the fourth side, where the fourth side is sloped downward from a front of the basin toward a rear of the basin. A drain opening extends through a lower surface of the drain channel, and a drain cover is removably mounted to the drain opening. The drain cover defines a surface displaced above and substantially covering the drain channel and extends between the first side and the second side of the basin. The drain cover further includes a plurality of bumpers located at intervals along both a front side and a rear side of the drain cover and, when the drain cover is inserted in the drain channel, the bumpers are positioned between the front side of the drain cover and the front surface of the drain channel and between the rear side of the drain cover and the rear surface of the drain channel.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a fixture for a lavatory system having a deck and a basin in the deck is disclosed. The lavatory system is configured to be mounted to a lavatory wall, and the fixture is operable to dispense soap, water, and air. The fixture includes a first leg, a second leg, and a connecting section. The first leg has a first end, a second end, and a first passage extending between the first end and the second end of the first leg. The first end of the first leg is configured to be mounted to the deck, and the second end of the first leg is configured to be positioned over the basin. The second leg has a first end, a second end, and a second passage extending between the first end and the second end of the second leg. The first end of the second leg is configured to be mounted to the deck, and the second end of the second leg is configured to be positioned over the basin. The connecting section extends between the first leg and the second leg and has a water outlet, a soap outlet and an air outlet. The fixture includes a first tube operable to carry the water through either the first leg or the second leg to the water outlet on the connecting section and a second tube operable to carry the soap through either the first leg or the second leg to the soap outlet on the connecting section. A duct to transmit the air to the air outlet on the connecting section is defined by either the first passage or the second passage.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, a lavatory fixture for a wash station includes a first and a second generally r-shaped leg. The first generally r-shaped leg includes a first end, a second end, and a first passage extending through the first leg. The first end of the first leg has a first mounting surface and an opening in communication with the first passage and extending through the first mounting surface. The second generally r-shaped leg, displaced from the first leg, includes a first end, a second end, and a second passage extending through the second leg. The first end of the second leg has a second mounting surface and an opening in communication with the second passage and extending through the second mounting surface. The first and second mounting surfaces each engage a surface to mount to the lavatory fixture. The fixture also includes an outlet portion having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of outlets. The first end of the outlet portion is connected to the second end of the first leg, and the first end of the outlet portion has a third passage and an opening establishing fluid communication between the first passage and the third passage. The second end of the outlet portion is connected to the second end of the second leg, and the second end of the outlet portion has a fourth passage and an opening establishing fluid communication between the second passage and the fourth passage. A first outlet, selected from the plurality of outlets, is located proximate the first end of the outlet portion, is in communication with the third passage, and is further in communication with an air blower via the first and third passages to discharge air.

These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a lavatory system incorporating a multi-function fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is front elevation view of the lavatory system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the lavatory system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the lavatory system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the lavatory system ofFIG. 3 taken at5-5;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a multi-function fixture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the multi-function fixture ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the multi-function fixture ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a right side elevation view of the multi-function fixture ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a left side elevation view of the multi-function fixture ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the multi-function fixture ofFIG. 7 taken at11-11;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the multi-function fixture ofFIG. 7 taken at12-12;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the multi-function fixture ofFIG. 7 taken at13-13;

FIG. 14 is a partial top view of the multi-function fixture ofFIG. 6 with the upper surface removed;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of one leg of the multi-function fixture ofFIG. 7 taken at15-15;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of one leg of the multi-function fixture ofFIG. 7 taken at16-16;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram representation of the control system for the lavatory system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a partial isometric view of a drain for the lavatory system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a partial isometric view of one embodiment of a drain cover for the lavatory system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a drain for the lavatory system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the drain cover ofFIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of a basin, drain channel, and drain cover for the lavatory system according to another embodiment of the drain cover;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of a basin, drain channel, and drain cover for the lavatory system according to another embodiment of the drain cover;

FIG. 24 is an isometric sectional view of a basin, drain channel, and drain cover for the lavatory system according to another embodiment of the drain channel;

FIG. 25 is a front sectional view of the basin, drain channel, and drain cover ofFIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a top sectional view of the basin and drain channel ofFIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a side sectional view of the basin, drain channel, and drain cover ofFIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is an isometric sectional view of a basin, drain channel, and drain cover for the lavatory system according to another embodiment of the drain channel;

FIG. 29 is a front sectional view of the basin, drain channel, and drain cover ofFIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a top sectional view of the basin and drain channel ofFIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a side sectional view of the basin, drain channel, and drain cover ofFIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is a partial flow diagram for air dispensed from the fixture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 33ais a partial flow diagram for air dispensed from the fixture across the drain cover ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 33bis a partial flow diagram for air within the basin using the drain cover ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 34ais a partial flow diagram for air dispensed from the fixture across the drain cover ofFIG. 23;

FIG. 34bis a partial flow diagram for air within the basin using the drain cover ofFIG. 23;

FIG. 35 is a partial flow diagram for air through an air return within the basin according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 36 is a partial flow diagram for air through an air return within the basin according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 37 is a flow diagram illustrating air recirculation from the fixture, within the basin, and back to the fan according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 38 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an aerator for the fixture used in the lavatory system;

FIG. 39 is a top plan view of the aerator ofFIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a first side elevation view of the aerator ofFIG. 38;

FIG. 41 is a second side elevation view of the aerator ofFIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a sectional view of the aerator ofFIG. 38 taken at42-42 inFIG. 40; and

FIG. 43 is a sectional view of the aerator ofFIG. 38 taken at43-43 inFIG. 40.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

Throughout this description, various terms denoting direction, such as left and right, front and rear, up and down, top and bottom, and the like may be used. The directions are not intended to be limiting but are used to describe relationships of elements with respect to each other in the accompanying drawings. Unless mutually exclusive, it is contemplated that the elements may be reversed, for example, by turning a component around or upside down without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

Turning initially toFIG. 1, alavatory system10 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustrated. Thelavatory system10 includes adeck12 that is configured to be mounted to a wall. With reference also toFIG. 5, wall mounts21 are secured to the wall and thedeck12 is secured to the wall mounts21. Thedeck12 has anupper surface14 and anouter periphery16 extending downward from theupper surface14 and around thedeck12. Abasin20 is located within thedeck12. According to one embodiment of the invention, thedeck12 and thebasin20 may be integrally formed as a single unit. According to another embodiment of the invention, thebasin20 may be mounted to thedeck12. It is further contemplated that thelavatory system10 may be free-standing, supported by the floor rather than being wall mounted. Rather, than including awall mount21, a support frame (not shown) may extend up from the floor, or other surface, on which thelavatory system10 is installed.

Thebasin20 is a recessed area below theupper surface14 of thedeck12 and is configured to receive products dispensed into the lavatory system. According to the illustrated embodiment, thebasin20 includes a first side22 (see alsoFIG. 3) and asecond side24, where thesecond side24 is opposite the first side. Each of the first andsecond sides22,24 extend generally orthogonal to and away from the wall on which thelavatory system10 is mounted. Thebasin20 also includes athird side26 extending downward from an upper edge which joins theupper surface14 of thedeck12 along the rear of the basin and further extends between thefirst side22 and thesecond side24. With reference also toFIG. 5, thethird side26 extends downward and the lower end of the third side forms, in part, adrain channel62 in the bottom of thebasin20. Thebasin20 further includes afourth side28 extending downward from an upper edge which joins theupper surface14 of thedeck12 along the front of the basin and also extends between thefirst side22 and thesecond side24. Thefourth side28 of thebasin20 is sloped inward and downward from the front edge of the basin to a front edge of thedrain channel62. Although thebasin20 is described in detail with respect to the illustrated embodiment, it is understood that thebasin20 may take various shapes as would be understood to one skilled in the art without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Thelavatory system10 includes ahousing40 located below thedeck12 and extending around the lower portion of thelavatory system10. According to the illustrated embodiment, thehousing40 includes afirst side42 and asecond side44, where the second side is opposite the first side. A rear edge of each of thefirst side42 and thesecond side44 abuts the wall to which thelavatory system10 is mounted. Each of thefirst side42 and thesecond side44 extend forward, generally orthogonal to the wall. Afront surface46 of the housing extends downward and to the rear from alower surface15 of thedeck12. Thefront surface46 extends the height of each of the first andsecond sides42,44. According to one embodiment of the invention, each of thefirst side42,second side44, andfront surface46 extend to the floor. According to another embodiment of the invention, the each of thefirst side42,second side44, andfront surface46 extend to some height above the floor. Thefront surface46 is sloped to the rear from where it abuts thelower surface15 of thedeck12. It is contemplated that thehousing40 may include a bottom surface (not shown) if the housing does not extend to the floor. Optionally, the housing may be open on the bottom as defined by the periphery of thefirst side42,second side44,front surface46 and wall to which thelavatory system10 is mounted. Thehousing40 encloses the components of thelavatory system10 located below the deck to provide a measure of protection to the components and to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to thelavatory system10. Although thehousing40 is described in detail with respect to the illustrated embodiment, it is understood that thehousing40 may take various shapes as would be understood to one skilled in the art without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Thelavatory system10 further includes adrain system60 extending longitudinally across the width of thebasin20. With reference also toFIGS. 18-21, thedrain system60 includes adrain channel62 and adrain cap70. According to the illustrated embodiment, thedrain channel62 is generally u-shaped. Thedrain channel62 has arear wall63 and afront wall64 extending the width of thebasin20. Therear wall63 of thedrain channel62 may be coplanar with thethird side26 of thebasin20 and form a continuous surface. Optionally, thedrain channel62 may be offset from thethird side26 of the basin, forming a channel in a lower surface (not shown) of thebasin20. Thedrain channel62 includes alower surface65 which also extends the width of the basin between therear wall63 and thefront wall64. Anopening66 in thelower surface65 of thedrain channel62 allows waste water to exist thebasin20 into a drainpipe90 (as shown inFIG. 5). The periphery of thedrain opening66 includes a pair ofnotches68, where afirst notch68 is located to the rear of thedrain opening66 and a second notch is located to the front of thedrain opening66. Eachnotch68 is configured to receive atab76 from thedrain cap70 as will be discussed in more detail below.

Thedrain cap70 is configured to be removably mounted within thedrain system60. Thedrain cap70 includes afront surface72, arear surface74, and atop surface73, where thetop surface73 spans between thefront surface72 and therear surface74 and each of the front, rear, and top surfaces extend the width of thedrain channel62. Each of thefront surface72 and therear surface74 have atab76 extending downward from the respective surface. Thetab76 includes afirst surface77, which is generally coplanar with and protrudes downward from the corresponding front or rear surface, and asecond surface78, which is generally orthogonal to and protrudes outward from thefirst surface77. Preferably, thedrain cap70 and thetabs76 are constructed of a sheet material, such as a stainless steel. The thickness of the sheet material provides sufficient rigidity that thedrain cap70 retains its desired shape if removed from thedrain channel62. However, the width of eachtab76 and the thickness of the sheet material for thedrain cap70 allows thetab76 to deflect inward when a force is applied. Such a force may be applied, for example, when inserting thedrain cap70 into the drain channel. Eachtab76 is deflected inward as thedrain cap70 is inserted into the drain channel and as eachtab76 is inserted through thenotch68 in the periphery of thedrain opening66. The height of thefirst surface77 of thetab76 is equal to or greater than a thickness of thelower surface65 of thedrain channel62. As a result, when thedrain cap70 continues to be inserted, thetab76 extends through thelower surface65. The material from which thetab76 is made is resilient such that it returns to its original position once thetabs76 are fully through theopening66 in thedrain channel62. Thesecond surface78 of eachtab76 extends under thelower surface65 of the drain channel, positively retaining thedrain cap70 within thedrain channel62. Applying pressure to eachtab76 such that the tab is again biased inward a sufficient distance that thesecond surface78 is moved from beneath thelower surface65 and within the periphery of theopening66 of thedrain channel62 allows thedrain cap70 to be removed from thedrain channel62.

It is further contemplated that each of thefront surface72 and therear surface74 of thedrain cap70 include a series ofbumpers75 affixed to the surface and spaced out along the length of the drain cap. Thebumpers75 fit between thefront surface72 of thedrain cap70 and thefront wall64 of thedrain channel62 and between therear surface74 of thedrain cap70 and therear wall63 of thedrain channel62. Thebumpers75 define a press fit between the surfaces and help align thedrain cap70 within thedrain channel62. In addition, because thedrain cap70 is preferably made from a metal material, such as stainless steel, and thebasin20 anddrain channel62 are preferably made from a synthetic resin material, stone material, or combination thereof, thebumpers75 aid in preventing damage to thedrain channel62 from thedrain cap70 as the cap is inserted into or removed from the channel.

Further, thetop surface73 of thedrain cap70 may be configured to help guide the direction of airflow dispensed fromfixture100. As will be discussed in more detail below, thefixture100 is operative to dispense air flow into thebasin20 to dry a user's hands after washing. With further reference toFIGS. 32-37, a direction of airflow is indicated by arrows in the figures. The air is dispensed downward from thefixture100 where it first hits the fourth side48 of thebasin20 which is sloped downward and to the rear of thebasin20. The air flow generally follows the slope of the fourth side48 toward thedrain channel62.

According to one embodiment of the invention, thedrain cap70 may be configured to guide the direction of the airflow toward the corners of thebasin20. With reference toFIG. 22, thefront surface72 of thedrain cap70 may be longer than therear surface74. As a result, thetop surface73 is sloped downward from thefront wall64 to therear wall63 of thedrain channel62. A first angle, α, defined between therear surface74 and thetop surface73 of thedrain cap70 is an obtuse angle. A second angle, β, defined between thefront surface72 and thetop surface73 of thedrain cap70 is an acute angle. As shown inFIG. 22, thedrain cap70 may be configured such that thetop surface73 of thedrain cap70 is coplanar with thefourth side28 of thebasin20. The air continues to flow from thefourth side28 of the basin along thetop surface73 of thedrain cap70 until it intersects with thethird side26 of thebasin20. The air is then deflected both to the left and the right along thethird side26 of the basin and along thetop surface73 of thedrain cap70 toward the first andsecond sides22,24 of thebasin20.

According to another embodiment of the invention, thedrain cap70 may be configured to guide the direction of the airflow upward along thethird side26 of thebasin20. With reference toFIG. 23, thefront surface72 of thedrain cap70 may be shorter than therear surface74. As a result, thetop surface73 is sloped upward from thefront wall64 to therear wall63 of thedrain channel62. A first angle, α, defined between therear surface74 and thetop surface73 of thedrain cap70 is an acute angle. A second angle, β, defined between thefront surface72 and thetop surface73 of thedrain cap70 is an obtuse angle. According to one embodiment of the invention, thedrain cap70 is configured such that thetop surface73 of thedrain cap70 angles upward at an angle similar to the downward angle of thefourth side28 of thebasin20. As the air continues to flow from thefourth side28 of the basin onto thetop surface73 of thedrain cap70 it is deflected upward. As the airflow intersects thethird side26 of thebasin20, the air is further deflected both to the left and the right along thethird side26 of the basin. Thus, rather than traveling along thetop surface73 of thedrain cap70, the air flow travels along thethird side26 in a generally upward and outward manner, as illustrated inFIG. 34(b) toward the first andsecond sides22,24 of thebasin20.

Turning next toFIGS. 24-27, another embodiment of adrain system60 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the depth of thedrain channel62 is increased. Thefront wall64 and therear wall63 are tapered inward toward thechannel62, such that when thedrain cap70 is inserted into thechannel62, thetop surface73 of thedrain cap70 aligns in the manner discussed above. Optionally, a ridge or series of tabs may be molded along the front andrear walls64,63 on which the front and rear surfaces,72,74, respectively, of the drain cap may be supported.

Adrain plate80 is inserted into thedrain channel62 to divide thechannel62 into two chambers. Anupper chamber81 is defined between thedrain cap70 and thedrain plate80, and alower chamber83 is defined between thedrain plate80 and thelower surface65 of thechannel62. A series ofsupports82 are integrally formed in the rear andfront walls63,64 of thedrain channel62 to support thedrain plate80. Eachsupport82 extends from thelower surface65 of thechannel62 and for a portion of the height of thechannel62. Each support protrudes into thechannel62 from the rear andfront walls63,64 for a short distance, sufficient to support thedrain plate80 yet allowing water to flow along thechannel62. The width of thedrain plate80 is generally equal to the width of the channel at the top of thesupports82, such that thedrain plate80 may be set into the channel and rest on each of thesupports82.

Thedrain plate80 further includes a series ofopenings84 spaced longitudinally along theplate80 to allow water to flow from theupper chamber81 to thelower chamber83. According to the illustrated embodiment, each opening84 is located along on outer edge of thedrain plate80 and extends longitudinally along thedrain plate80. Theopenings84 may be spaced at intervals alternately to thesupports82, such that the water may flow from theupper chamber81 through the openings, betweenadjacent supports82, and into thelower chamber83.

Thelower chamber83 is in fluid communication with thedrain opening66. Thus, when water is dispensed into thebasin20, it runs down thefourth side28 of the basin to the drain channel. The water flows around each edge of thedrain cap70 and into theupper chamber81 while other debris is kept out of the drain channel by thedrain cap70. The water then flows along the upper surface of thedrain plate80 toward the drain opening. As the water flows along the upper surface of thedrain plate80, it falls through one of theopenings84 to thelower chamber83. Once in thelower chamber83, the water flows toward thedrain opening66 and out of thebasin20 to thedrainpipe90.

Turning next toFIGS. 28-31, another embodiment of thedrain system60 is illustrated. In this embodiment, thedrain system60 again includes two chambers to direct water to thedrain opening66. Afirst chamber81 is defined by adrain channel62 anddrain cap70 substantially the same as that discussed above with respect toFIGS. 18-22. Asecond chamber83 is integrally formed within a lower surface of thebasin20. According to the illustrated embodiment, apipe89 is integrally molded along the rear portion of and below thebasin20. It is contemplated that thepipe89 is positioned below thedrain channel62 and overmolded such that it is integrally formed with thebasin20. Optionally, a second housing member may be secured to the bottom of thebasin20 and along the length of thedrain channel62. The second housing member may be configured to hold thepipe89 below thedrain channel62 as discussed above.

Whether thepipe89 is integrally molded or separately mounted below thebasin20, a series ofopenings84 are formed through thelower surface65 of thedrain channel62 and into thepipe89. Theopenings84 may be formed, for example, by drilling holes through thelower surface65 and into thepipe89. Theopenings84 establish fluid communication between thefirst chamber81 and thesecond chamber83. Thus, when water is dispensed into thebasin20, it runs down thefourth side28 of the basin to the drain channel. The water flows around each edge of thedrain cap70 and into thefirst chamber81 while other debris is kept out of the drain channel by thedrain cap70. The water then flows along thelower surface65 of thefirst chamber81 toward thedrain opening66. As the water flows along thelower surface65 of thefirst chamber81, a portion of the water falls through one of theopenings84 to thesecond chamber83. The portion of the water in thesecond chamber83 also flows toward thedrain opening66. Whether flowing in thefirst chamber81 or thesecond chamber83, the water reaches thedrain opening66 and flows out of thebasin20 to thedrainpipe90.

Although thedrain channel62 anddrain cap70 are described in detail with respect to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that thedrain channel62 anddrain cap70 may take various shapes, where thedrain cap70 remains complementary to thedrain channel62 for insertion and removal, as would be understood to one skilled in the art without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Turning next toFIGS. 35-37, thebasin20 may further be configured to recirculate at least a portion of the airflow dispensed from thefixture100. In addition to directing the airflow to the sides or up the rear of thebasin20, thebasin20 may include aridge27 protruding over thebasin20 to collect a portion of the airflow. The ridge may extend around thefirst side22, thesecond side24, or thethird side26 of the basin to capture air travelling up the side or rear of thebasin20. Optionally, achannel29 may be formed on the rear side of thebasin20 which directs the airflow back down the outside of thebasin20 under thedeck12. The airflow may be channeled to areturn duct33 which in turn provides air to the input of thefan210. Preferably, afilter354 is included between thereturn duct33 and the input to thefan210 to remove water, soap, dirt, and other contaminants from the airflow prior to returning the air to thefan210.

According to another embodiment of the invention, thebasin20 may include an opening in the side. The opening may include a series oflouvers31 to prevent water dispensed from thefixture100 from entering the opening. The airflow travelling up the sides may enter the opening. Similar to the embodiment including aridge27, achannel29 may be provided on the rear of the basin and the airflow directed back toward thefan210.

Thelavatory system10 also includes amulti-function fixture100 located at each hand washing station for thelavatory system10. According to the illustrated embodiment, thelavatory system10 includes two wash stations. It is contemplated that thelavatory system10 may be configured with a single wash station and have just onefixture100 or, optionally, thelavatory system10 may be configured with three or more wash stations, where each wash station has aseparate fixture100. The width of the lavatory system will vary according to the number of wash stations present.

Turning next toFIGS. 6-10, amulti-function fixture100 for thelavatory system10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Thefixture100 includes a pair oflegs110. When viewed from the front, afirst leg110ais positioned to the right side of thefixture100 and asecond leg110ais positioned to the left side of thefixture100. The exterior of eachleg110a,110bis mirrored about acenter axis101 of thefixture100. For convenience, therefore, asingle leg110 will be discussed in detail, where the discussion will be equally applicable to theright leg110aand theleft leg110b.

According to the illustrated embodiment, theleg110 has afirst end112 configured to be mounted to thedeck12 and asecond end114 extending over thebasin20. A mountingsurface113 on thefirst end112 of theleg110 engages theupper surface14 of thedeck12. Theleg110 includes a generally rectangular cross-section where the cross-section decreases in size between thefirst end112 and thesecond end114 of theleg110. When mounted to thedeck12, theleg110 slopes forward as it extends upward from thedeck12. From a side-view, theleg110 is generally r-shaped. Theleg110 extends upwards from thedeck12 and forwards toward thebasin20. After extending for a height, H, abend115 in the leg causes the leg to protrude in a generally horizontal plane for a length, L, until thesecond end114 of the leg is positioned over thebasin20.

With reference also toFIG. 11, thefirst end112 of eachleg110 is configured to be mounted to thedeck12. Anopening111 extends through the mountingsurface113 and is in communication with apassage120 within theleg110. Abase130 is received within theopening111 and secures thefixture100 to thedeck12. The base130 also includes apassage139 extending therethrough which is in fluid communication with thepassage120 in theleg110. According to the illustrated embodiment, thebase130 includes afirst end132 configured to be inserted into theleg110 and asecond end134 configured to be inserted into an opening in thedeck12. Theopening111 in theleg110 includes a threaded inner periphery that is complementary to a threaded outer periphery of thefirst end132 of thebase130. The base130 may, therefore, be rotatably inserted into theopening111 such that the threads engage and positively retain the base130 to theleg110. It is contemplated that the base130 may alternately be secured to theleg110, for example, via a snap fit or other suitable securing method. According to another embodiment, thebase130 is integrally molded with theleg110 such that a portion of theleg110 extends through the opening to secure thefixture100 to thedeck12. Asecond section136 of thebase130 is displaced longitudinally along the base130 such that is configured to be located, at least in part, below thedeck12. Thesecond section136 includes a threaded outer surface to receive anut135, and anupper surface137 of thenut135 is configured to engage the lower surface of thedeck12. To secure thefixture100 to thedeck12, thebase130 is affixed to eachleg110 and inserted through the opening in thedeck12. Thenut135 is threaded onto the base from below the deck such that theupper surface137 of thenut135 and the mountingsurface113 of theleg110 engage opposite surfaces of thedeck12 and secure thefixture100 to thedeck12.

A connectingsection140 extends between the second ends114 of eachleg110. The connectingsection140 has afirst end142 connected to thesecond end114aof thefirst leg110aand asecond end144 connected to thesecond end114bof thesecond leg110b. The cross-section of thefirst end142 of the connectingsection140 is the same as the cross-section of thesecond end114aof thefirst leg110aand the cross-section of thesecond end144 of the connectingsection140 is the same as the cross-section of thesecond end114bof thesecond leg110b. Consequently, thefixture100 appears as a continuous unit as it transitions between eachleg110 and the connectingsection140. Further, it is contemplated that at least a portion of thefirst leg110a, thesecond leg110b, and the connectingsection140 may be cast, or otherwise manufactured, as a single unit. As a result, despite identifying ends of thelegs110 and ends of the connectingsection140, the locations of the ends are for illustrative purposes and may be moved axially along the leg or along the connectingsection140 without deviating from the scope of the invention.

The connectingsection140 includes multiple outlets for dispensing product over thebasin20 of thelavatory system10. Afirst outlet160 is operable to dispense soap, asecond outlet180 is operable to dispense water, and athird outlet200 is operable to dispense air. Theoutlets160,180,200 are spaced apart along the connectingsection140 such that a user's hands move along the connectingsection140 between outlets during the washing process. Eachleg110 includes apassage120 defined within the interior of the leg for delivery of a product to one of the outlets. The soap and water may be delivered via tubes extending from below thedeck12 up through thepassage120 in one of thelegs110 the respective outlet. Thepassage120 within one of thelegs110 is configured as an air duct to, at least in part, convey air from a blower located below thedeck12 to the air outlet. With reference also toFIGS. 15 and 16, exemplary sectional views of thepassage120 in each leg are illustrated. Thepassage120bin thesecond leg110bhas a maximum sectional area to provide room for thetube162 carrying soap and thetube182 carrying water to be run through thepassage120b. Thepassage120ain thefirst leg110ahas a sectional area closely corresponding to thepassage139 in the base130a. By having the sectional areas of thepassage120ain theleg110aand thepassage139 in the base130acorrespond to each other, the turbulence of the air flow is reduced as the air passes from the base130ainto theleg110a. Thepassage120aof theleg110 then forms a duct through which the air is conveyed to theair outlet200.

The connectingsection140 may also include indicators to a user identifying the location of each outlet. According to the illustrated embodiment,openings103 are located along the front edge of the connectingsection140 through which an indicator may be displayed. A multi-color light-emitting diode (LED)305, or red-green-blue LED array, (see alsoFIG. 17) is located behind eachopening103. It is contemplated that each opening may have a lens or be a translucent material rather than an opening to prevent soap, water, dirt, or other contaminants from entering thefixture100. TheLED305 may emit different colors according to operation or flash to direct a user's attention to the location. Optionally, larger displays utilizing, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) may provide a graphical or other visual indication to the user of the purpose of each outlet located by the indicator.

The system for dispensing soap includes a soap reservoir, pump, and tubing to connect the pump to thesoap outlet160. Thesoap reservoir310 andsoap pump316 are represented in block diagram form inFIG. 17. Thesoap reservoir310 may include alevel detection switch312, such as a float switch, which generates alevel detection signal314, provided to acontrol circuit302, corresponding to the amount of soap remaining in thereservoir310. Thepump316 is activated by one ormore sensors301 located in thefixture100 detecting the presence of a user's hands by thesoap outlet160. Thepump316 draws soap from thereservoir310 and into atube162 connected between thepump316 and thesoap outlet160. The tube is run inside thepassage120 in either thefirst leg110aor thesecond leg110band into the connectingsection140 of the fixture. In the connectingsection140, thetube162 is fit onto anozzle164 which extends through theoutlet160. The soap is discharged from thenozzle164 through theoutlet160 onto a user's hands.

The system for dispensing water includes one ormore inlet lines322, connected to a water supply, one ormore valves320, and one ormore outlet lines324 to supply water to thewater outlet180. Theinlet line322 may be connected to a cold water supply, a hot water supply, or to a mixed water supply, where the mixed water supply includes a combination of hot and cold water. It is desirable to provide water at a comfortable temperature to the user. Therefore, a mixing valve may be provided in advance of theinlet line322 that combines cold and hot water proportionally to supply water at a desired temperature. Optionally, thevalve320 may be a mixing valve which includes afirst inlet line322 from the cold water supply and asecond inlet line322 from a hot water supply. Asignal326 from thecontrol circuit302 may control thevalve320 not only in an on/off manner, but also in a proportional manner to mix the cold and hot water to supply water at a desired temperature. Theoutlet line324 from thevalve320 is connected via asecond tube182 to thewater outlet180. Anaerator400 may be provided within thewater outlet180 includes awater inlet402 to which theoutlet line324 from thevalve320 is connected.

Referring next toFIGS. 38-43, one embodiment of theaerator400 is illustrated. Theaerator400 includes anupper housing410 and alower housing450. According to the illustrated embodiment, theupper housing410 is integrally formed with aremovable plate190 that may be inserted into and removed from an opening on the lower surface of the connectingsection140 of the fixture. Theupper housing410 includes two generally cylindrical chambers. A first,intake chamber420 is formed in the upper portion of theupper housing410. Afirst wall segment412 of theupper housing410 extends downward from anupper surface411 of theupper housing410. Thefirst wall segment412 may join theupper surface411 at a generally curved edge that extends around the periphery of theupper housing410. Theintake chamber420 has a first diameter defined by the inner periphery of thefirst wall segment412. A second,outlet chamber430 is formed in the lower portion of theupper housing410. Asecond wall segment414 extends downward from thefirst wall segment412 to alower edge416 of theupper housing410. Thesecond wall segment414 has a diameter greater than the diameter of thefirst wall segment412, and a generally curved edge joins the first andsecond wall segments412,414. The lower surface of theupper housing410 is generally open and thelower edge416 defines a generally circular opening into which thelower housing450 may be inserted. Theinner surface415 of thesecond wall segment414 is threaded and is configured to receive a complementary thread on theouter periphery460 of thelower housing450. According to other embodiments of the invention, it is contemplated that thelower housing450 may be secured to theupper housing410 by other methods, including, for example, by a snap fit, cam lock, pin, screw, or other suitable retainer.

Thewater inlet402 extends outward from thefirst wall segment412 and defines a fluid communication path between thesecond tube182, through which the water flows, and theintake chamber420. Thewater inlet402 is generally cylindrical and includes apassage404 extending axially through theinlet402. Thesecond tube182 may be press fit onto afirst end401 of thewater inlet402 and thesecond end403 of thewater inlet402 is integrally formed with thefirst wall segment412. Preferably, thesecond end403 of thewater inlet402 joins one side of theupper housing410. Water flowing through thesecond tube182 enters thepassage404 and exits along the inner periphery of thefirst wall segment412. The water is supplied at a sufficient pressure such that the water follows the inner periphery of thefirst wall segment412 swirling around the interior of theintake chamber420.

Thelower housing450 is a generally cylindrical disk configured to be inserted into theupper housing410. As previously indicated, theouter periphery460 of thelower housing450 is threaded such that thelower housing450 may rotatably engage the complementary threadedinner surface415 of theupper housing410. The disk includes anupper surface462 and alower surface464, opposite the upper surface. A plurality ofpassages470 extend between theupper surface462 and thelower surface464. Theupper surface462 is sloped upward from an outer edge to the center of theupper surface462, forming a generally conical surface.Multiple nozzles480 protrude downward from thelower surface464. One of thepassages470 extends through eachnozzle480, and thenozzles480 define thewater outlet180 for thefixture100. Because the water enters theintake chamber420 along the inner periphery and swirls around the chamber, the water more uniformly fills the chamber than if the water entered the chamber at a central location and hit the opposing surface of the chamber. The water then exits theintake chamber420 through each of thenozzles480 with a generally uniform pressure and flow.

Although theaerator400 has been described according to the illustrated embodiment, it is contemplated that theaerator400 may be formed utilizing other members without deviating from the scope of the invention. For example, theaerator400 may be formed as a single housing with theupper housing410 andlower housings450 integrally formed and either fixedly or removably mounted within the connectingsection140 of thefixture100.

The system for dispensing air includes afan210 located below thedeck12 operable to deliver air to theair outlet200. According to one embodiment of the invention, thefan210 includes a centrifugal fan driven by a motor. The motor may be operated at variable speeds to adjust the airflow rate supplied by the fan. Thefan210 draws air in through an air inlet located within thehousing40 under thedeck12. Afilter354 may be provided at the inlet to capture contaminants present in the air prior to air entering the air inlet for thefan210. With reference also toFIG. 5, anair duct215 connects an outlet of thefan210 to thepassage139 in thebase130, which is, in turn, connected to apassage120 within theleg110 of thefixture100.

Referring toFIGS. 10, 14, and 16 thepassage120 serves as a continuation of theair duct215 between thefan210 and theair outlet200. The surface of thepassage120 is preferably smooth to minimize turbulence of the air flow through the passage. Aboss122 may be provided between opposing surfaces of thepassage120 to provide improved rigidity of thefixture100. Theboss122 includes afront end123, indicating it receives the air flow first, and arear end125, indicating it receives the air flow last. Theboss122 widens toward the middle and tapers toward each end, such that each of the front andrear ends123 and125 are preferably narrow and rounded to minimize disturbance of the air flow through thepassage120.

Aninner wall124 is provided beyond theair outlet200 to terminate thepassage120 and separate the air passage from other interior regions of thefixture100. Theinner wall124 is generally orthogonal to and intersects the air flow through the passage, causing the air flow to equalize over the surface of theinner wall124 by pressure shock when the air flow hits theinner wall124. Theair outlet200 is located on a lower surface of thefixture100 prior to theinner wall124 with respect to the direction of air flow. Theair outlet200 includes anozzle202 with agrid204 defined in the nozzle. Each member of thegrid204 is in a generally vertical plane to direct the airflow downward from thenozzle202. The air flow is, therefore, directed generally ninety degrees downward and out theair outlet200 after hitting theinner wall124. Theduct215 from the fan and thepassages139,120 within thebase130 andleg110, therefore, deliver air to theair outlet200 to dry a user's hands.

Control signals352 pass between thefan210 and acontrol circuit302. The control signals352 may include, for example, a start command, a stop command, a speed command, or a combination thereof to control operation of thefan210. Feedback signals may also be provided from thefan210 to acontrol circuit302 corresponding to operation of the fan or of the condition of the filter. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the system for dispensing air may include a heater located along the air flow path to increase the temperature of the air prior to delivering the air to the user's hands.

In operation, acontrol system300 is provided that manages operation of thelavatory system10. Referring next toFIG. 17, thecontrol system300 includes acontrol circuit302 mounted to thelavatory system10. According to one embodiment of the invention, thecontrol circuit302 is provided on a circuit board mounted in an enclosure below thedeck12 and within thehousing40 of thelavatory system10 to protect the control circuit from being splashed by water. Optionally, thecontrol circuit302 may be potted to provide further protection from moisture in a lavatory. Thecontrol circuit302 includesmemory306 configured to store operating parameters for thelavatory system10 and instructions for executing on aprocessor304 to control operation of thelavatory system10. It is contemplated that thememory306 may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination thereof and may be a single or multiple devices. Theprocessor304 is operable to execute the instructions stored inmemory306 to achieve a desired operation of thelavatory system10. It is contemplated that theprocessor304 may be a single device or multiple devices. Thecontrol circuit302 further includes other analog and/or digital devices to receive feedback signals from sensors, transmit control signals to actuators, and manage other such control related functions as would be understood in the art. It is further contemplated that thecontrol circuit302 may be located entirely on a single circuit board and located within a single enclosure or, optionally, portions of thecontrol circuit302 may be distributed about thelavatory system10 without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Thecontrol circuit302 receives feedback signals303 fromsensors301 in thefixture100 indicating a user's hands are present for washing and/or drying proximate thefixture100. According to the illustrated embodiment, foursensors301 are provided in thefixture100 to control the soap, water, and air delivery from thefixture100. According to another embodiment, it is contemplated that threesensors301 may be provided where asingle sensor301 is located proximate to each outlet. According to still another embodiment more than foursensors301 may be provided. It is contemplated that eachsensor301 is located within the connectingsection140 of the fixture and above the lower wall of the connectingsection140. A portion of the lower wall may include anopening103 through which the sensor may transmit a signal, such as a radio frequency (RF) or an infrared signal. The signal is reflected off the user's hands and received at thesensor301 to detect the presence of the user's hands. If a line-of-sight sensor is used it is contemplated that a portion of the lower housing may be made of a translucent material as an alternative to providing an opening, allowing the emitted sensor signal to pass through. Optionally, a lens may be inserted in theopening103 to allow the emitted signal to pass and to prevent water, soap, dirt, or other contaminants from entering the opening. According to another embodiment, thesensor301 may emit a signal capable of passing through the housing of the connectingsection140. For example, a magnetic field may be generated and a disturbance in the field due to the presence of a user's hands may be detected. Still other sensing technology, such as capacitive sensing of a user's hands may be utilized without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Includingmore sensors301 than outlets allows thecontrol circuit302 to determine information about the location and/or direction of approach for a user's hands in addition to just being located proximate to an outlet. According to the illustrated embodiment, the twoinner sensors301 may be located on either side of thewater outlet180. As a user's hands approach thewater outlet180 after receiving soap, one of theinner sensor301 located on the same side of thewater outlet180 as thesoap outlet160 is activated first. If a user's hands are approaching thewater outlet180 from the hand dryer side of thefixture100 the otherinner sensor301 is activated first. When the user's hands area located under thewater outlet180, both of theinner sensors301 are arranged to detect the hands. The control circuit may generate different control signals responsive to the sequence in which the inner sensors are activated.

Looking first at the control of the soap system, at least onesensor301 is located near thesoap outlet160 to detect a user's hands located below theoutlet160. When a user's hands are located beneath thesoap outlet160, thesensor301 generates a feedback signal303 to the control circuit indicating their presence. In response to receiving the feedback signal303, thecontrol circuit302 may flash or change the color of theLED305 for thesoap outlet160 to provide an indication to the user that the hands were detected by thesoap outlet160. Thecontrol circuit302 may also generate acontrol signal318 to thesoap pump316, causing it to activate such that soap is dispensed. Thesoap pump316 may be energized for a predefined period of time or execute one or more fixed pumping cycles, drawing soap from thereservoir310 and up through thesoap tube162 to thesoap nozzle164 where it is dispensed onto the user's hands. It is further contemplated that thesensor301 proximate thesoap outlet160 may be configured to detect a user's hands for only a short distance below thefixture100. For example, the user's hand may need to be within three inches or within two inches of thesensor301 to detect their presence. This detection distance is preferably configurable within thesensor301 and may be set less than the detection distance of the water outlet as will be discussed in more detail below.

Thecontroller302 may further be configured to interlock the soap dispenser based on other activity at thefixture100. For example, if the air dryer is active, it may be desirable to prevent soap from being dispensed such that it is not blown around the basin. Further, it may be desirable to require a user to remove their hands prior to dispensing additional soap. This prevents continued dispensing of soap if the user leaves their hands under thesoap outlet160 for an extended period of time or if, for example, a foreign object falls in thebasin20 under thefixture100 proximate thesoap outlet160.

Alevel detection sensor312, such as a float switch, may be provided within the reservoir. Thelevel detection sensor312 generates afeedback signal314 to the control signal when the soap level is low and requires refilling. Thecontrol circuit302 may activate theLED305 proximate thesoap outlet160 in a manner indicating the soap level is low. For example, thecontrol circuit302 may flash theLED305 or turn the color of the LED to red indicating that the level is low.

Turning next to control of the water system, at least onesensor301 is located near thewater outlet180 to detect a user's hands located below theoutlet180. When a user's hands are located beneath thewater outlet180, thesensor301 generates a feedback signal303 to the control circuit indicating their presence. In response to receiving the feedback signal303, thecontrol circuit302 may flash or change the color of theLED305 for thewater outlet180 to provide an indication to the user that the hands were detected by thewater outlet180. Thecontrol circuit302 may also generate acontrol signal326 to thewater valve320, causing it to activate such that water is dispensed. Thewater valve320 may be energized for a predefined time or may remain on while the user's hands are detected under thewater outlet180.

It is further contemplated that thesensor301 proximate thewater outlet180 may be configured to detect a user's hands below thefixture100 for a distance equal to the height of thefixture100 above thebasin20. As a result, the user's hands will be detected at any height between thewater outlet180 and thebasin20. This detection distance is preferably configurable within thesensor301 and may be set greater than the detection distance of the soap outlet. Requiring the user to position their hands closer to the soap outlet to receive soap than is required to dispense water will help prevent inadvertent dispensing of soap. For example, as a user rinses the soap from their hands under thewater outlet180, the hand, arm, or a portion thereof may move under thesoap outlet160. However, a user typically positions their hands at a distance below thewater outlet180 to avoid water splashing or spraying from their hands or from making contact with thefixture100 while rinsing the hands. The distance users typically position their hands is greater than the distance at which thesensor301 proximate the soap outlet is set for detection. As a result, even if a portion of the user's hands or arm moves under thesensor301 for the soap while using thewater outlet180, additional soap is not dispensed.

Thecontrol circuit302 may further be configured to provide interlocks in dispensing water from thefixture100. For example, if the air dryer is active, it may be desirable to prevent water from being dispensed such that it is not blown around the basin. Further, it may be desirable to require a user to remove their hands from beneath thewater outlet180 and stop dispensing water to dispensing air. A maximum duration may also be configured for which thewater outlet180 may dispense water without requiring the user to remove and reinsert their hands beneath thewater outlet180. This prevents continued dispensing of water if the user leaves their hands under thewater outlet180 for an extended period of time or if, for example, a foreign object falls in thebasin20 under thefixture100 proximate thewater outlet180.

Turning then to control of the air system, at least onesensor301 is located near theair outlet200 to detect a user's hands located below theoutlet200. When a user's hands are located beneath theair outlet200, thesensor301 generates a feedback signal303 to the control circuit indicating their presence. In response to receiving the feedback signal303, thecontrol circuit302 may flash or change the color of theLED305 for theair outlet200 to provide an indication to the user that the hands were detected by theair outlet200. Thecontrol circuit302 may also generate acontrol signal352 to thefan210, causing it to activate such that air is dispensed. Thefan210 may be energized for a predefined time or may remain on while the user's hands are detected under theair outlet200.

Thesensor301 proximate theair outlet200 may be configured to detect a user's hands below thefixture100 for a distance equal to the height of thefixture100 above thebasin20. As a result, the user's hands will be detected at any height between theair outlet200 and thebasin20. This detection distance is preferably configurable within thesensor301 and may be set greater than the detection distance of the soap outlet. The motor for thefan210 may be configured to operate at multiple speeds. It is contemplated that one speed will be selected when the lavatory system is configured, or reconfigured, and that the motor will run at that speed each time thesensor301 detects a user's hands beneath theair outlet200. According to one aspect of the invention, the motor speed may be selected such that a user's hands are dried within a desired time duration. The selected speed may vary, for example, as a function of the size of thefixture100, the volume of air delivered by the fixture, or whether a heater is present within the air flow. According to another aspect of the invention, the motor speed may be selected such that the motor and air flow generate noise at an acceptable level while the user's hands are located within the air stream.

Thecontrol circuit302 may further be configured to provide interlocks in dispensing air from thefixture100. For example, if the air dryer is active, it may be desirable to prevent water from being dispensed such that it is not blown around the basin. Further, it may be desirable to require a user to remove their hands from beneath theair outlet200 and stop dispensing air prior to dispensing water. A maximum duration may also be configured for which theair outlet200 may dispense air without requiring the user to remove and reinsert their hands beneath theair outlet200. This prevents continued dispensing of air if the user leaves their hands under theair outlet200 for an extended period of time or if, for example, a foreign object falls in thebasin20 under thefixture100 proximate theair outlet200.

According to another aspect of the invention, thelavatory system10 may include one ormore approach sensors370. Eachapproach sensor370 may be mounted on an inside surface of thehousing40 and in line with one of thefixtures100. Thehousing40 may include anopening371 through which the sensor may transmit a signal, such as a radio frequency (RF) or an infrared signal. The signal is reflected off the user as the user approaches thelavatory system10 and received at thesensor370 to detect the user's approach. If a line-of-sight sensor is used, it is contemplated that a portion of thehousing40 may be made of a translucent material, allowing the emitted sensor signal to pass through. Optionally, a lens may be inserted in theopening371 to allow the emitted signal to pass and to prevent water, soap, dirt, or other contaminants from entering the opening. According to another embodiment, thesensor370 may emit a signal capable of passing through thehousing40. For example, a magnetic field may be generated and a disturbance in the field due to the presence of a user may be detected.

Eachapproach sensor370 generates afeedback signal372 to thecontrol circuit302. Thecontrol circuit302 may use theapproach signal372, for example, to bring thelavatory system10 out of a power-saving state or may prepare thelavatory system10 for use. In the power saving state, a portion of thecontrol circuit302 may be de-energized. When theapproach signal372 is detected, thelavatory system10 may energize theentire control circuit302 in anticipation of use. Similarly, thecontrol circuit302 may energize a heater, if present, to begin warming air for delivery to a user. According to yet another example, thevisual indicators305 on thefixture100 may be energized in response to receiving theapproach signal372. Still other actions may be taken in response to theapproach signal372 at thecontrol circuit302 that will speed the user's hand washing experience.

According to another aspect of the invention, thelavatory system10 is configurable using thesensors301 in thefixture100. Previously, configuration of alavatory system10 would be performed, for example, via dip switches, a rotary switch, or the like located within or near the enclosure for thecontrol circuit302 and contained under thedeck12 and within thehousing40 of thelavatory system10. Changing operation such as the motor speed for thefan210, volume of soap dispensed, duration of water flow, and the like required removing thehousing40 and accessing the switches beneath thedeck12. Thepresent lavatory system10 provides for configuration of thelavatory system10 via thesensors301 above the deck without removing thehousing40.

A user may enter a configuration mode for thelavatory system10 by inserting the user's hands under thesensors301 in a predefined sequence. The sequence is selected to avoid accidental entry of the configuration mode during normal operation of thelavatory system10. For example, the sequence may require placing the right hand under a first sensor and a left hand under a second sensor where the right hand is inserted ahead of the left hand by less than a second. Both hands are then held under the sensors for at least ten seconds. According to another example, the sequence may require activating eachsensor301 in sequence from left-to-right or right-to-left multiple times in succession and subsequently holding a hand under one of thesensor301 for a predefined time. Still other sequences may be used without deviating from the scope of the invention. Once thelavatory system10 has entered configuration mode, each of thevisual indicators305 may provide an indication to the user of the configuration mode. Theindicators305 may, for example, turn to a unique color designating configuration mode.

The user then continues to configure thelavatory system10 by further passing the user's hands underdifferent sensors301. The user may first select which system to configure, that is whether the user wishes to configure the soap dispensing system, the water dispensing system, or the air dispensing system. A particular system may be selected by inserting the user's hands under asensor301 proximate to the respective outlet. For example, to configure the water dispensing system, the user may insert a hand under asensor301 proximate thewater outlet180 and to configure the air dispensing system, the user may insert a hand under asensor301 proximate theair outlet200. The visual indicator proximate the selected system may remain the color identifying configuration mode and begin to flash to indicate that the particular system has been selected. Optionally, thelavatory system10 may contain a predefined number of parameters that are configurable via thesensors301 and the user may increment or decrement through each parameter by inserting a hand under one of thesensors301. Identification of the parameter may occur by briefly activating the device to be configured or by flashing a parameter number on the visual indicators.

Once a system or a particular parameter has been selected, the user again inserts a hand under one of thesensors301. It is contemplated that afirst sensor301 may be utilized to choose a parameter for configuration and asecond sensor301 may be utilized to change the setting of the parameter. The parameter preferably has a predefined set of settings. For example, the motor for the fan may have a low, medium, and high speed setting. Each time a user inserts a hand under thesecond sensor301 the setting of the parameter increments or decrements to the next setting. Thelavatory system10 may briefly activate the motor so that the user may observe the air flow resulting from the selected motor speed and determine which setting is desired.

Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept.

Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.

It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A lavatory system comprising:

a basin having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side extending between the first side and the second side, and a fourth side extending between the first side and the second side;

a fixture extending over the basin for dispensing soap, water and air, the fixture having a first leg, a second leg spaced apart from the first leg, and a connecting section for connecting the first leg to the second leg;

a first passage in the first leg;

a second passage in the second leg;

a first tube for carrying the water through one of the first passage and the second passage; a second tube for carrying the soap through one of the first passage and the second passage;

at least one first exit point along the connecting section for dispensing the water;

at least one second exit point along the connecting section for dispensing the soap; and

at least one third exit point along the connecting section for dispensing the air.

2. The lavatory system ofclaim 1, wherein:

the fixture is a single casting,

the first leg includes a first base,

the second leg includes a second base, and

each of the first and second bases are configured to attach to the basin.

3. The lavatory system ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a deck having a generally planar upper surface surrounding at least a portion of the basin;

a first hole in the deck for receiving a portion of the first base; and

a second hole in the deck for receiving a portion of the second base.

4. The lavatory system ofclaim 1, wherein the first passage is configured to maximize an area for air flow through the first leg.

5. The lavatory system ofclaim 4 wherein the first leg includes:

an inner wall separating the first passage from the connecting section; and

an air outlet proximate the inner wall, wherein the air outlet is the at least one third exit point and wherein the inner wall equalizes the air flow within the first passage by pressure shock when the air flow hits the inner wall thereby bending the air flow generally 90° to point downwardly and exit the air outlet.

6. The lavatory system ofclaim 5, further comprising a nozzle located in the air outlet that is configured to straighten the air flow through the air outlet.

7. The lavatory system ofclaim 6, further comprising a grid within the nozzle for preventing items from getting into the air outlet.

8. The lavatory system ofclaim 4, further comprising a boss located in the air flow within the first passage shaped to minimize air disturbance as the air flow travels over the boss.

9. The lavatory system ofclaim 1, further comprising an aerator mounted proximate the at least one first exit point, and wherein the aerator is configured with an entrance for the first tube, and wherein the entrance adds a swirling motion to the water.

10. The lavatory system ofclaim 9 wherein:

the connecting section includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and

the aerator is nearly flush with the lower surface of the connecting section.

11. The lavatory system ofclaim 10, further comprising a translucent material for constructing at least a portion of the lower surface of the connecting section so that sensors can sense through the material.

12. The lavatory system ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a first indicator identifying the at least one first exit point;

a second indicator identifying the at least one second exit point; and

a third indicator identifying the at least one third exit point.

13. The lavatory system ofclaim 12 further comprising a control circuit that enables each of the first indicator, the second indicator, and the third indicator to indicate to a user where to put hands of the user.

14. The lavatory system ofclaim 1, further comprising a drain channel extending longitudinally between the first side and the second side of the basin, wherein a rear surface of the drain channel is defined in part by the third side of the basin and a front surface of the drain channel abuts a lower edge of the fourth side, wherein the fourth side is sloped downward from a front of the basin toward a rear of the basin.

15. The lavatory systemclaim 14 further comprising:

a drain opening extending through a lower surface of the drain channel; and

a drain cover removably mounted to the drain opening, wherein the drain cover defines a surface displaced above and substantially covering the drain channel and extending between the first side and the second side of the basin.

16. The lavatory system ofclaim 15 wherein the drain cover further includes a plurality of bumpers located at intervals along both a front side and a rear side of the drain cover and, when the drain cover is inserted in the drain channel, the bumpers are positioned between the front side of the drain cover and the front surface of the drain channel and between the rear side of the drain cover and the rear surface of the drain channel.

17. A fixture for a lavatory system having a deck and a basin in the deck, the lavatory system configured to be mounted to a lavatory wall, the fixture is operable to dispense soap, water, and air, the fixture comprising:

a first leg having a first end, a second end, and a first passage extending between the first end and the second end of the first leg, wherein the first end is configured to be mounted to the deck and the second end is configured to be positioned over the basin;

a second leg having a first end, a second end, and a second passage extending between the first end and the second end of the second leg, wherein the first end is configured to be mounted to the deck and the second end is configured to be positioned over the basin;

a connecting section between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the connecting section has a water outlet, a soap outlet and an air outlet;

a first tube operable to carry the water through one of the first leg and the second leg to the water outlet on the connecting section; and

a second tube operable to carry the soap through one of the first leg and the second leg to the soap outlet on the connecting section, wherein a duct to transmit the air to the air outlet on the connecting section is defined by one of the first passage and the second passage.

18. The fixture ofclaim 17 wherein the first tube and the second tube extend through the first passage and the air is transmitted via the second passage.

19. A lavatory fixture for a wash station, the lavatory fixture comprising:

a first generally r-shaped leg having a first end, a second end, and a first passage extending through the first leg, wherein the first end of the first leg has a first mounting surface and an opening in communication with the first passage and extending through the first mounting surface, and

a second generally r-shaped leg, displaced from the first leg, the second leg having a first end, a second end, and a second passage extending through the second leg, wherein the first end of the second leg has a second mounting surface and an opening in communication with the second passage and extending through the second mounting surface, wherein the first and second mounting surfaces each engage a surface to mount to the lavatory fixture, and

an outlet portion having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of outlets wherein:

the first end of the outlet portion is connected to the second end of the first leg,

the first end of the outlet portion has a third passage and an opening establishing fluid communication between the first passage and the third passage,

the second end of the outlet portion is connected to the second end of the second leg,

the second end of the outlet portion has a fourth passage and an opening establishing fluid communication between the second passage and the fourth passage, and

a first outlet, selected from the plurality of outlets is located proximate the first end of the outlet portion, is in communication with the third passage, and is further in communication with an air blower via the first and third passages to discharge air.

20. The lavatory fixture ofclaim 19 wherein:

the wash station includes a deck and a basin mounted in the deck;

the lavatory fixture extends over the basin; and

the surface engaged by each of the first and second mounting surfaces is the deck of the wash station.

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